Now that new beginning is all about how much the former 2,006-yard Tennessee Titans running back and one of the league's fastest tailbacks has left when the lines up in the backfield of the New York Jets this season.

The Jets' website confirmed Johnson signed a contract with the team more than a week after being cut by Tennessee.

Johnson's two-year deal is worth a base value of $8 million with yardage incentives that could add $1 million to the package, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. That person requested anonymity because the team has yet to announce the terms of the deal.

The three-time Pro Bowler who blazed a 4.24-second, 40-yard dash during the 2008 Indianapolis scouting combine has fallen off in terms of production since emerging the sixth back in league history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark.

That magical 2,006-yard, 16-touchdown 2009 season earned Johnson the nickname "CJ2K.'' But Johnson, 28, has been fading ever since.

Johnson, who received a six-year, $54 million extension in 2011, is coming off January surgery to repair a torn meniscus that contributed to his career-low 3.9 yards rushing average in 2013. Johnson played through the knee injury last season when he rushed for 1,077 yards and six touchdowns.

He did pass his physical with the Titans before being released. However, his days as a focal-point feature back seem to be in the rear view mirror.

Johnson was scheduled to earn $8 million in base salary for the 2014 season. He was released after the Titans failed to consummate a trade despite interest from the Jets, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills, according to The (Nashville) Tennessean.

Without the pressure to carry his new franchise, Johnson will have a chance now to stay fresh and threaten defenses with his still dynamic game-changing speed in a complementary role. He joins a Jets backfield where Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell combined for more than 1,500 rushing yards in 2013.

Despite the steady dropoff, Johnson is the league's lone back to register 1,000 yards rushing each of the last six seasons. He has also shown impressive durability, averaging 4.6 rushing yards while scoring 50 rushing touchdowns in starting 93 of 95 career games.